amplify

Conversations with Musici Ireland Artistic Director Beth McNinch and violinist Ioana Petcu-Colan, recorded during the launch of the group's album 'Earthrise' at CMC. Presented by Jonathan Grimes with Evonne Ferguson, the episode also features composer Liam Bates talking about composing the album's title track — a viola concerto written for Beth McNinch.Full show notes: https://www.cmc.ie/amplify/episode-123

In the third and final episode of our New Music Dublin Exchange Showcases, saxophonist Robert Finegan performs Jenn Kirby's Tripping. Presented by Jonathan Grimes. Show Notes Robert FineganJenn KirbyCMC Composer PageMusic recorded at IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 HW59. Recording: Keith Fennell and Garrett SholdiceEditing: Keith Fennell

In the second episode of our New Music Dublin Exchange Showcases, CMC Emerging Composer Tadhg Kinsella, a classically trained percussionist and live electronics musician, performs a live improvisation using modular synthesisers. Presented by Jonathan Grimes. Show Notes Tadhg Kinsella Dublin Modular Music recorded at IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 HW59. Recording: Keith Fennell and Garrett SholdiceEditing: Keith Fennell

This episode of amplify features a conversation and improvisation by violinist Cora Venus Lunny and pianist Izumi Kimura, recorded live at the Contemporary Music Centre's Creative Space as part of New Music Dublin Exchange. Presented by Jonathan GrimesShow NotesCora Venus LunnyIzumi KimuraInvisible Resistances (Farpoint Recordings, 2022)Folding (with Anthony Kelly) (Farpoint Recordings, 2021)CMC's New Music Dublin ExchangeMusic recorded at CMC's Creative Space, Fishamble Street, Dublin, 2 April 2025. Sound: Keith Fennell

Image credit: Paul Hillier's final concert as AD of Chamber Choir Ireland (In Illo Tempore, October 2024), filmed by Dominik Kosicki.Conductor Paul Hillier, who up to 2024 was Artistic Director of Chamber Choir Ireland, speaks to Evonne Ferguson about some of the Irish composers and works commissioned and performed during his time with the choir. The conversation was recorded in October 2024 and features works by Gerald Barry, Siobhán Cleary, Rhona Clarke, David Fennessy, Andrew Hamilton, Stephen McNeff and Jennifer Walshe. Show NotesChamber Choir Ireland: Paul HillierChamber Choir IrelandComposers featured in this episode:Gerald BarryCMC Composer PageSiobhán ClearyCMC Composer PageRhona ClarkeCMC Composer PageDavid FennessyCMC Composer PageAndrew HamiltonCMC Composer PageStephen McNeffCMC Composer PageJennifer WalsheCMC Composer PageMusicIn order of appearance in the episode:chOirland - David FennessyLetter to Michael - David FennessyTheophilus Thistle and the Myth of Miss Muffett - Siobhán Cleary (Live Recording)Everything is Ridiculous - Andrew HamiltonSchott and Sons Mainz - Gerald BarryLong Time - Gerald BarryThe White Noisery - Jennifer Walshe (Live Recording)Dives and Lazurus - Stephen McNeff (Live Recording)Pie Jesu from Requiem - Rhona Clarke (Live Recording)All music featured in this episode was performed by Chamber Choir Ireland under the direction of Paul Hillier.

Conversations with some of the artists who featured in the ‘Inventions: the harpsichord across Time and borders’ concert on 9 November 2024 at Limerick City Gallery of Art. Jonathan Grimes speaks to harpsichordist Yonit Kosovske and project director Janet Oates, along with composers Evangelia Rigaki, Fiona Linnane and Meadhbh Hayes.Show NotesInventions: The Harpsichord Across Time and BordersYonit KosovskeEvangelia RigakiJanet OatesFiona LinnaneCMC Composer PageMeadhbh HayesStill, She Rises! concert - 23 March 2025Music‘2 steep 4 sheep (some hills are)’ by Ailís Ní Ríain, performed live at Limerick City Gallery of Art by Yonit Kosovske on 7 November 2024‘Keening’ by Evangelia Rigaki, recorded by Yonit Kosovske.‘Leatherwing’ by Fiona Linnane, recorded by Yonit Kosovske.‘Harpsitrance’ by Meadhbh Hayes, performed live at Limerick City Gallery of Art by Yonit Kosovske on 7 November 2024.

CMC's podcast returns for 2025 with a recording taken from CMC's recent Spring Gathering event featuring soprano Sylvia O'Brien and flautist Bill Dowdall performing Cathy Purcell's ‘Droplet'. Winner of the 2024 Finding a Voice Composition Competition, Cathy Purcell also speaks to Jonathan Grimes about her experience composing the work. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson.Show NotesCathy PurcellFinding a Voice Composition CompetitionFinding a Voice FestivalEvlana EnsembleSylvia O'BrienBill DowdallMusic‘Droplet' by Cathy Purcell, performed live in CMC by Sylvia O'Brien and Bill Dowdall on 30 January 2025

CMC celebrated the 60th Birthday of composer, Ian Wilson in CMC on December 4 2024, with an evening of music and discussion. For the final episode of amplify for 2024, Ian Wilson joins music journalist and contemporary music educator Tim Rutherford-Johnson for a conversation spanning his career and centred around a new essay commissioned by CMC. You'll also hear excerpts of live performances from the evening featuring Lina Andonovska (flute), Ioana Petcu-Colan (Violin) and the composer himself, Ian Wilson (piano). Show Notes Tim Rutherford-Johnson Ian Wilson CMC Composer Page Lina Andonovska (Alto flute and piccolo) Ioana Petcu-Colan (Violin) You can order a hard copy of the essay here. Music All music featured in this episode was recorded live in CMC's Library and Creative Space on December 6 2024. Terra and Fuoco from I Quattro Elementi for solo violin - Ioana Petcu-Colan (Violin) Die Zwitscher-Maschine for solo piccolo - Lina Andonovska (Piccolo) Spilliaert's Beach for alto flute and piano - Lina Andonovska (Alto flute) and Ian Wilson (Piano) Episode Credits Recording and editing: Keith Fennell Introduction: Jonathan Grimes

Caterina Schembri, whose debut album 'Sea Salt & Turpentine' was released on Ergodos, talks to Jonathan Grimes about her musical background and work as a composer. Show Notes Caterina Schembri Sea Salt & Turpentine Music All music taken from Sea Salt & Turpentine (Ergodos) Caterina Schembri - Sea salt & Turpentine, Michelle O'Rourke (voice), Ficino Ensemble Caterina Schembri - Soft charcoal over moonstone, Nathan Sherman (viola) Caterina Schembri - There is a willow, Michelle O'Rourke (voice), Ficino Ensemble Caterina Schembri - I wake up in the night when I dream in black and white , Michelle O'Rourke (voice), Ficino Ensemble Caterina Schembri - It was only half as far, Ficino Ensemble

Larissa O'Grady joins CMC's Jonathan Grimes for an explorative discussion about her new release, Six New Works for Violin. on Farpoint Recordings. Show Notes Six New Works for Violin (Farpoint Recordings) by Larissa O'Grady Six New Works For Violin is the debut release by Larissa O'Grady on the Farpoint Recordings label, and features an extraordinary programme of new music composed by a collection of six leading Irish composers including David Bremner, Jenn Kirby, Judith Ring, Anselm McDonnell, Robert Coleman, Fiona Linnane. This project came into existence as part of the Contemporary Artists Network, established by the Contemporary Music Centre, which pairs composers and performers interested in engaging with contemporary music from Ireland as artistic partners. As part of this Network, in 2022 Larissa O'Grady commissioned six new works for violin and electronics/multimedia by a group of six composers from Ireland, collaborating to explore the possibilities of new sounds, which culminated in a public performance of the commissioned works for violin and multimedia. These commissions were generously supported by Arts Council Ireland. Featuring a wide range of presentations from spoken word to sensor led playback, live and fixed electronics, microtonal writing conveying the chemical process of burning sugar, and a live field recordist recording and playing back the violin and sounds of a greater spotted woodpecker. Farpoint Recordings David Bremner CMC Composer Page Robert Coleman CMC Composer Page Jenn Kirby CMC Composer Page Fiona Linnane CMC Composer Page Judith Ring CMC Composer Page Anselm McDonnell CMC Composer Page Music All music featured in this episode is available from Farpoint Recordings from the links below. Salient Memories - David Bremner Body Fragmented - Jenn Kirby Swept Through the Floods - Judith Ring Rusted Sugar - Anselm McDonnell Capturing Sound - Robert Coleman Would Be Poetess - Fiona Linnane Episode Credits Recording and editing: Jonathan Grimes Additional Editing: Keith Fennell Introduction: Evonne Ferguson

A live podcast discussion recorded at the 2024 West Cork Chamber Music Festival. Composers Rhona Clarke and Deirdre Gribbin join Jonathan Grimes to discuss their work on ‘Magdalene Songs', an ongoing project by pianist Deirdre Brenner, which features their songs along with songs by Deirdre McKay, all based on testimonies from survivors of the Magdalene Laundries. This discussion took place following a performance the previous evening of the ‘Magdalene Songs' by mezzo Lotte Betts-Dean and Deirdre Brenner. From 1922 to 1996, more than 10,000 women and girls were incarcerated in Ireland's Magdalene Laundries. Operated by four religious orders in 10 locations around the country, these for-profit institutions detained individuals against their will and forced them to work long hours, unpaid, under abusive and humiliating conditions. These institutions committed some of the most serious systematic violations against human rights in Ireland in the 20th century. This work by is intended to honour those women who were so gravely mistreated by church and state in the Magdalene Laundries by giving voice to their experience. Show Notes • https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/chamber-music-festival/ • https://www.rhonaclarke.com/ • https://www.cmc.ie/composers/rhona-clarke • http://jfmresearch.com/home/preserving-magdalene-history/about-the-magdalene-laundries/ • https://www.deirdregribbin.com/ • https://www.cmc.ie/composers/deirdre-gribbin • https://www.cmc.ie/composers/deirdre-mckay • https://www.deirdre-brenner.com/ • https://www.lottebettsdean.com/ Music All music from Magdalene Songs, performed live at West Cork Chamber Music Festival on 5 July 2024 at St Brendan's Hall, Bantry by Lotte Betts-Dean (mezzo-soprano) and Deirdre Brenner (piano), and recorded by RTÉ Lyric fm. • Rhona Clarke - Martina • Deirdre Gribbin - Bernadette • Rhona Clarke - Evelyn • Deirdre McKay - Litany to the Magdalene Dead Recording and editing: Keith Fennell

This week's podcast features conversations recorded during the workshop of Composer Lab, a professional development initiative from CMC and the National Symphony Orchestra aimed at composers who have had limited opportunities to write for symphony orchestra. Jonathan Grimes speaks to the participating composers Amelia Clarkson, Barry O'Halpin, Finola Merivale, and Yue Song, as well as Composer Lab mentor David Fennessy and workshop conductor Gavin Maloney. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Composer Lab public workshop Amelia Clarkson CMC Composer Page Barry O'Halpin CMC Composer Page Yue Song CMC Composer Page Pastures at Malahide Finola Merivale CMC Composer Page Music All music recorded during the Composer Lab workshop on 16 September 2024 by the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Gavin Maloney

CMC’s podcast on artists active in New Music in Ireland returns with interviews recorded with two of the featured Irish composers at this year’s ISCM World New Music Days in the Faroe Islands. Recorded in June, the episode features conversations with composers Eric Skytterholm Egan and Rhona Clarke. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes ISCM World New Music Days 2024 ISCM Eric Skytterholm Egan CMC Composer Page Rhona Clarke CMC Composer Page Music Eric Skytterholm Egan - in some or other Oasis (2014 rev. 2023) (Lapland Chamber Orchestra), live performance at Tórshavn Music School, Tórshavn, Faroe Island, 24 June 2024. Video of concert available here. Rhona Clarke - O Vis Aeternitatis (2020) (ARS NOVA Copenhagen, conductor Graham Ross), live performance at The Nordic House in Tórshavn, 29 June 2024. Video of concert available here.

An episode featuring a live panel discussion from Northern Ireland's newest contemporary music festival, TERRAIN in the Accidental Theatre, Belfast featuring Aisling Agnew, Lina Andanovska and Ian Wilson. Presented by Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Aisling Agnew Lina Andanovska Ian Wilson CMC Composer page Music All music featured in this episode was performed live at TERRAIN Music Festival on 18 May 2024 Improvisation 1 - Lina Andonovska (contrabass flute & flute), David Lyttle (Drums) & Cathal Roche (alto sax) A Winter Sketchbook - Jane O'Leary - Aisling Agnew (flute) & Petcu-Colan (violin) Improvisation 2 - Lina Andonovska (contrabass flute & flute), David Lyttle (drums) & Cathal Roche (alto sax) 'Vigour, Rigour, Jigger' - Greg Caffrey - David McCann (cello) Episode Credits Music Recording and Engineering: Peter Cunningham Podcast Recording: Accidental Theatre, Belfast Editing: Keith Fennell

An episode featuring a panel discussion from the Topographies mini festival of Experimental music in Berlin along with contributions from Shane Latimer and Izumi Kimura. Presented by Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Topographies Shane Latimer Residuum Izumi Kimura Francis Heery Elliot Murphy Ellen King Music Shane Latimer - Ten Minutes in the Tumble Dryer Shane Latimer, Izumi Kimura, Francis Heery, Ute Wasserman - live performance at Soweiso, Berlin, 23 May 2024 Ellen King - in situ, live recording from PAS, Berlin, 25 May 2024 Francis Heery - not knowing what brambles are, live recording from PAS, Berlin, 25 May 2024

Jonathan Grimes talks to violinist Darragh Morgan and pianist Mary Dullea about recording and performing Gerald Barry’s music. The conversation was recorded at the 2024 New Music Dublin Festival, and also features extracts from their 2022 album of the composer’s works ‘In the Asylum’. Show Notes Darragh Morgan Mary Dullea Gerald Barry CMC Composer Page Gerald Barry in Focus at New Music Dublin 2024 Music All music taken from the album In the Asylum, Mode Records Baroness von Ritkart: 1 - Clever, noble, but not talented, (Darragh Morgan, violin and Mary Dullea, piano) Triorchic Blues, Fidelio Trio Midday, (Darragh Morgan, violin and Mary Dullea, piano) 1998, (Darragh Morgan, violin and Mary Dullea, piano) Le Vieux Sourd, (Mary Dullea, piano) Recorded, presented and produced by Jonathan Grimes.

Back in April, as New Music Dublin 2024 was approaching, Evonne Ferguson sat down for a chat with Linda Buckley and Iarla Ó Lionáird to discuss Tuile agus Trá, a new work for the National Symphony Orchestra composed by Linda and dedicated to the memory of her mother, Mary Buckley.  Show Notes Linda Buckley ​CMC Composer page Iarla Ó Lionáird Doireann Ní Ghríofa National Symphony Orchestra New Music Dublin National Concert Hall The Creative Space @ CMC ​Tuile agus Trá premiered on the 26 April in the National Concert Hall as part of New Music Dublin 2024. It was broadcast live on RTÉ lyric fm for a special episode of RTÉ lyric Live co-presented by Paul Herriott and John Harris. You can listen to the full broadcast here. Tuile agus Trá was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and New Music Dublin. Episode Credits Presented by Evonne Ferguson Recorded and edited by Keith Fennell Show NotesEpisode Credits

A conversation with composer Brian Irvine, recorded during last month’s New Music Dublin festival. Brian’s work ‘A Call to Arms’ was premiered by Stone Drawn Circles and he speaks to Jonathan Grimes about the background to the work and composing for the group. ​ Show Notes Brian Irivine CMC Composer Page Stone Drawn Cirles Recorded and presented by Jonathan Grimes.

A performance from composer electronic musician Brian Bridges, recorded at IMRO on 26 April during CMC’s New Music Dublin Exchange - a programme which took place during the New Music Dublin festival, to which representatives of some of the most significant international contemporary music festivals, venues, programmers, promoters and broadcasters were invited.​ Show Notes Brian Bridges New Music Dublin Exchange Recorded and edited by Keith Fennell. CMC wishes to thank Culture Ireland for their funding of New Music Dublin Exchange, and IMRO for their support.

A performance from composer and improviser Bianca Gannon, recorded at IMRO on 25 April during CMC's New Music Dublin Exchange - a programme which took place during the New Music Dublin festival, to which representatives of some of the most significant international contemporary music festivals, venues, programmers, promoters and broadcasters were invited.​ Show Notes Bianca Gannon New Music Dublin Exchange Recorded and edited by Keith Fennell CMC wishes to thank Culture Ireland for their funding of New Music Dublin Exchange, and IMRO for their support.

A performance from composer, fiddle and viola player Ultan O'Brien, recorded at IMRO on 25 April during CMC's New Music Dublin Exchange - a programme which took place during the New Music Dublin festival, to which representatives of some of the most significant international contemporary music festivals, venues, programmers, promoters and broadcasters were invited.​ Show Notes Ultan O'Brien New Music Dublin Exchange Recorded and edited by Keith Fennell. CMC wishes to thank Culture Ireland for its funding of New Music Dublin Exchange, and IMRO for their support.

A special live episode of amplify which was recorded at this year's Music Current Festival panel discussion presented in partnership with the Contemporary Music Centre. The panel was chaired by CMC's Director, Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes "Here, four composers, academics, researchers and media artists share insights into their personal practices, working methods, compositional techniques, rationale, and the strategies they use to approach compositional problems, and how technology might inform future music developments." Source: Music Current Festival - Future Music Panelists:João Pedro Oliveira (PRT), composer
Amanda Feery (IRL), composer
Lara Gallagher (IRL), composer
Eryk Salvaggio (USA), researcher, new media artist Music In order of appearance in the episode: Daniel McDermott Bezier Lines (2024) - performed by Dublin Sound Lab Amanda Feery Hireth (2024) - performed by The Black Page Orchestra Lara Gallagher Leap of Foals (2024) - performed by lovemusic collective John McLachlan Qualia I (2024) - performed by Dublin Sound Lab Fergal Dowling Total Harmonic Distortion (2024) - performed by Dublin Sound Lab All music featured in this episode was recorded live at Music Current 2024 at the Project Arts Centre. Episode credits Editing: Keith FennellRecording: Garrett Sholdice

In this episode, we hear from Anselm McDonnell about his new release, Kraina, an album drawing on the themes of home and displacement.  Show Notes Anselm McDonnell (CMC Composer Page) This interview was recorded on location by Evonne Ferguson at Queen's University, Belfast on 22 March 2024. It was recorded before the launch of Kraina which took place on the same date in the Harty Room in Queen's University, presented by CMC in partnership with Moving On Music, Belfast. The launch featured a performance by Cahal Masterson (piano) and Rebecca Murphy (soprano) of works from this new release. Music All music featured is taken from the album, Kraina available to purchase on Bandcamp In order of appearance in the episode: Anselm McDonnell - Kraina I. Jeżeli Porcelana Cahal Masterson - pianoRebecca Murphy - sopranoJonny McGuinness - recording engineer Anselm McDonnell - Kraina II. The House on the Interface Cahal Masterson - pianoRebecca Murphy - sopranoJonny McGuinness - recording engineer Anselm McDonnell - Her Name is Sorrow Dermot Dunne - accordionJoshua Ellicott - tenorLaura Sinnerton - violaRichard Brown - recording engineer Episode Credits Editing: Keith FennellRecording: Evonne Ferguson and Keith Fennell

Show Notes We Only Want the Earth Listen to episode 1 Article about the series on RTÉ Culture Robert Coleman and Larissa O'Grady - Capturing Sound Judith Ring CMC Composer Page Larissa O'Grady

In this special bonus episode of amplify, Jonathan Grimes speaks to Brian Bridges about his new work, Ramp Waves which he performed at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival back in November. Show Notes Michel Chion: Requiem @ HCMF This concert commemorated the 50th anniversary of the premier performance of Michel Chion's Requiem at the Théâtre Récamier in Paris in 1973 Music Ramp Waves was recorded live at Belfast Festival on 13 October 2023. This interview was recorded on 22 November 2023 at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Editing: Keith Fennell

CMC travelled to Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival back in November. Whilst there we had the great pleasure of interviewing some of Ireland's finest exponents of new music who were performing at the festival. This episode features interviews with Kirkos, Stone Drawn Circles, Jennifer Walshe and Andreas Borregaard Show Notes Music Thank you to the composers, performers, BBC and Music Network for permission to use the recordings featured in this episode. In order of appearance in the episode: Excerpts from Kirkos - Beginner's Guide to Slow Travel (2023) performed and composed collaboratively by Sebastian Adams, Robert Coleman, Yseult Cooper Stockdale, Jane Hackett, Hannah Miller and Joan Somers Donnelly. Recorded live on 21 November at HCMF 2023 by Jonathan Grimes. Excerpt from Karen Power - can you hear me now???? (2019) performed by Stone Drawn Circles. Recorded live on 21 November 2023 at HCMF 2023 by the BBC. Excerpt form Úna Monaghan - In Formation (2023) performed by Stone Drawn Circles. Recorded live on 21 November 2023 at HCMF 2023 by the BBC. Excerpt from Jennifer Walshe - Oscailt (2023) performed by Jennifer Walshe (vocalist), Elizabeth Hilliard (soprano), Nick Roth (saxophone) and Panos Ghikas (viola/electronics). Recorded live at Riverbank Arts Centre on 20 September 2023 by The Rise Studio. Interviews recorded on location at HCMF 2023 by Evonne Ferguson and Jonathan Grimes. Editing: Keith Fennell and Jonathan Grimes.

A very special live podcast event hosted by CMC at this year's Irish Composition Summer School to mark the recent centenary of James Wilson's birth, which took place in 2022, as well as celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Summer School. Show Notes This event featured a programme of works by James Wilson, Martin O'Leary and John Buckley performed by Martin O'Leary (piano) and Patrick Burke (clarinet). The event also included a panel of former students, colleagues and friends of James Wilson including Rhona Clarke, Jane O'Leary, John Buckley, Martin O'Leary and John McLachlan, hosted by CMC's Jonathan Grimes. Recorded live at The Square, Irish Institute of Music & Song, Balbriggan, Dublin. Music Live performances in order of appearance John Buckley Jim Singing (1992) - Performed by Martin O'Leary (piano) Martin O'Leary Jim's Air from Jimnopodie (1992) - Performed by Martin O'Leary (piano) James Wilson Three Play Things for Clarinet (1983) - Performed by Patrick Burke (clarinet) James Wilson Five Preludes for piano Op.87 (1982) - Performed by Martin O'Leary (piano) Further Notes Recording: Paul Lynch Editing and mixing: Keith Fennell

Recorded during the summer, Evonne Ferguson attended RAMP, the Rathmullan Music Project in Donegal for it's inaugural year. Whilst there Evonne spoke with project directors, Rob Casey and Peter Doherty about the inspiration for launching the project as well as speaking to some of the performers and composers taking part in the project including Una Lee, Xenia Pestova Bennett and Rhodri Davis. Show Notes RAMP is an initiative run by the Northern Lights Project in association with Earagail Arts Festival. Music Performers and composers in order of appearance on the episode: Rob Casey (piano), Ailbhe Nic Oireachtaigh (viola), David Lacey (percussion),Aonghus McEvoy (guitar) Xenia Pestova Bennett (piano) Una Lee (voice) & Aonghus McEvoy (guitar) Una Lee & Landless (voices) Rhodri Davies (harp) All music featured in this episode of the podcast was recorded live at RAMP 2023. Recording: Evonne FergusonEditing: Keith Fennell

Recorded in July of this year, composer John McLachlan talks to Jonathan Grimes about his CMC Composer Residency at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, his current approach to composing, and his new album of piano music recorded by pianist Mary Dullea. Show Notes John McLachlan CMC Composer page John McLachlan Awarded CMC Residency at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris Reflections on the residency Drinking the Stars (Farpoint Recordings) Music John McLachlan - December (Winter Music), Mary Dullea (piano) John McLachlan - Le dernier bourgeon de l'avenir John McLachlan - Ockham's Razor, Mary Dullea (piano) John McLachlan - fail ceoil, Mary Dullea (piano) John McLachlan - Stone Bell and Sandwave - X. Narita, Mary Dullea (piano) John McLachlan - Stone Bell and Sandwave - XI. Celesta, Mary Dullea (piano) John McLachlan - Stone Bell and Sandwave - XX. Vita, Mary Dullea (piano) Editing: Keith Fennell

Conductor Sinead Hayes joins Jonathan Grimes to discuss CMC and the National Symphony Orchestra's recent Composer Lab workshop. Composer Lab is professional development initiative which aims to provide a creative and open environment for composers wishing to deepen their understanding of writing for the forces of a full symphony orchestra. Show Notes Composer Lab Composer Lab premiere performance and live broadcast Daragh Black Hynes Geoff Hannan Tom Lane Amy Rooney Sinead Hayes Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble 2023/24 Season NSO & CMC Composer Lab workshop 2023 - musings from the stalls

CMC's podcast returns for its fifth season with features on CMC's Culture Night event, curated by CMC Emerging Composer, Paul Scully, composer Robert Coleman's Timescapes soundwalk as part of IMMA's Earth Rising Festival, and Ena Brennan's new opera Breathwork for Irish National Opera. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson, the episode includes contributions from composers Paul Scully, Robert Coleman and Ena Brennan, ornithologist Seán Ronayne, musician Seán Mac Erlaine, director John McIlduff, and soprano Michelle O'Rourke. Show Notes CMC Culture Night Paul Scully Timescapes soundwalk Robert Coleman CMC Composer Page Seán Ronayne Breathwork Ena Brennan CMC Composer Page Recording and editing: Keith Fennell, Jonathan Grimes Production: Jonathan Grimes

Marking his 70th year in 2023, Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson talk to composer Raymond Deane. The conversation was recorded in front on an invited audience at an event in CMC last month, and also includes extracts from live performances of some of his music. Show Notes Raymond Deane CMC Composer Page Music All music used was recorded live in CMC on 30 June Raymond Deane - Excursus (Robert Finegan - saxophone) Raymond Deane - Microforms (Emma Coulthard - flutes, David Appleton - piano) Raymond Deane - 5 Roses in 4 Parts (Bláth Conroy Murphy, Bríd Ní Ghruagáin, Shane Barriscale and Paul McGough) Recording and editing: Keith Fennell

Recorded in Belfast just before the Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble’s final 2022/23 season concert, Jonathan Grimes talks to the group’s outgoing Artistic Director Greg Caffrey and flautist and Concerts Manager Aisling Agnew about the ensemble’s first 10 years. Show Notes Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble Greg Caffrey CMC web site Music With the exception of the opening music, all music is taken from the Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble’s concert at the Harty Room, Queen’s University Belfast on 16 June 2023 Jane O’Leary - Beneath the Dark Blue Waves (Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble) Rhona Clarke - Non-stop (Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble), Harty Room, Queen’s University, 16 June 2022 Gráinne Mulvey - LUCA (Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble), Harty Room, Queen’s University, 16 June 2022 John Buckley - Three Mobiles after Alexander Calder (Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble), Harty Room, Queen’s University, 16 June 2022

Marking composer Seóirse Bodley’s recent 90th birthday, amplify features a conversation with soprano Sylvia O’Brien about her collaboration with Bodley, and his approach to writing for voice. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Seóirse Bodley Sylvia O’Brien Music Seóirse Bodley - St Kevin and the Blackbird from ‘The Hiding Places of Love’ (Sylvia O’Brien, Isabelle O’Connell), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2023 Seóirse Bodley - Squall (Sylvia O’Brien, Seóirse Bodley), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2007 Seóirse Bodley - The Naked Flame (Sylvia O’Brien, Seóirse Bodley), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2007 Seóirse Bodley - At Banagher from ‘The Hiding Places of Love’ (Sylvia O’Brien, Seóirse Bodley), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2013 Seóirse Bodley - At Banagher from ‘The Hiding Places of Love’ (Sylvia O’Brien, Isabelle O’Connell), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2023 Seóirse Bodley - Postscript from ‘The Hiding Places of Love’ (Sylvia O’Brien, Seóirse Bodley), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2013 Seóirse Bodley - Cavafy from ‘The Hiding Places of Love’ (Sylvia O’Brien, Seóirse Bodley), Hugh Lane Gallery, April 2013

Recorded during New Music Dublin 2023, Jonathan Grimes talks to Andrew Hamilton about his new work ‘Friendly Piece' which received its premiere at the festival by Crash Ensemble, and Yue Song, one of the composers who participated in the groups's Crash Works initiative. Show Notes New Music Dublin - Can music be kind? Andrew Hamilton New Music Dublin - You Heard It First Ryan McAdams Yue Song Editing: Keith Fennell. Thanks to Crash Ensemble for the recordings of Andrew Hamilton's Friendly Piece and Yue Song's Senses IV.

A conversation recorded during this year’s New Music Dublin with Crash Ensemble’s principal conductor Ryan McAdams, pianist Eliza McCarthy and composer Donnacha Dennehy about his new piano concerto Limina. Show Notes New Music Dublin - Limina Donnacha Dennehy Eliza McCarthy Ryan McAdams Music Donnacha Dennehy - Limina (Eliza McCarthy, Crash Ensemble, conductor Ryan McAdams), 20 April 2023, New Music Dublin. Thanks to Crash Ensemble for the recording. Editing: Keith Fennell

A conversation with composer Garrett Sholdice about his new album ‘The Blue Light’. Presented by Jonathan Grimes, the composer speaks about his musical preoccupations, the process of producing the album, and his approach to composing. Show Notes Garrett Sholdice: The Blue Light (Ergodos) Garrett Sholdice Music Garrett Sholdice - Das blaue Licht: I (Crash Ensemble) Garrett Sholdice - Das blaue Licht: I (Crash Ensemble) Garrett Sholdice - Gymel (Crash Ensemble: Ed Creedon, Kate Ellis) Garrett Sholdice - Prelude No. 12 (Michael McHale) Garrett Sholdice - Das blaue Licht: II (Crash Ensemble) Garrett Sholdice - Und weinen, und l​ä​cheln (Michael McHale) Garrett Sholdice - St Dunstan​-​in​-​the​-​East (Michael McHale, Crash Ensemble)

The first of two episodes with conversations recorded with some of the artists who featured in this year's New Music Dublin festival. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson, the episode includes interviews from CMC and Chamber Choir Ireland's Choral Sketches workshop, composers Áine Mallon and Ailís Ní Ríain, and soprano Elizabeth Hilliard. Show Notes Ailís Ní Ríain: The Last Time I Died (NMC Recordings) New Music Dublin Choral Sketches 2023 Áine Mallon CMC Composer Page Ailís Ní Ríain CMC Composer Page Elizabeth Hilliard Music Ailís Ní Ríain - Seahorse (Long snouted) All other music from Choral Sketches workshop and Chamber Choir Ireland Concert at New Music Dublin Editing: Keith Fennell

Read interview transcript: https://www.cmc.ie/amplify/episode-86 A discussion with Stephen Graham, Head of School of Arts and Humanities and Senior Lecturer in Music at Goldsmith's University of London about new music and its relationship to the economy. Show Notes Stephen Graham Becoming Noise Music Twentieth-Century Music in the West Composing Capital Music Seán Clancy - Sign New Music New Ireland four

A live podcast discussion with composers Robert Curgenven, Karen Power, Judith Ring, and Jürgen Simpson on the impact of climate change on new music and how musicians are responding to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss through their work. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and recorded live during New Music Dublin 2023. Show Notes New Music Dublin We Only Want the Earth radio series Robert Curgenven Dublin Open Form Pavilion of Air Karen Power Judith Ring Jurgen Simpson Recorded on 21 April 2023 in the Iveagh Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin. Sound: Keith Fennell Thanks to New Music Dublin and the National Concert Hall for hosting this event

A live podcast recorded during New Music Dublin 2023 with some of the composers and artists featured at this year’s festival. Composers Úna Monaghan, Kevin Volans and Susan Geaney, and conductor David Brophy join special guest American broadcaster and writer John Schaefer (New Sounds, WNYC) and CMC’s Jonathan Grimes in conversation. Show Notes New Music Dublin John Schaefer Úna Monaghan Kevin Volans CMC Composer Page Susan Geaney Quiet Music Ensemble David Brophy Recorded on 22 April 2023 in the Iveagh Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin. Sound: Keith Fennell Thanks to New Music Dublin and the National Concert Hall for hosting this event

A discussion recorded during this year's Finding a Voice festival in Clonmel featuring composers Jacqueline Fletcher, Áine Mallon and Gráinne Mulvey. This discussion, which took place on 11 March 2023, is introduced and chaired by CMC Director, Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Finding a Voice Festival Áine Mallon CMC Composer Page Gráinne Mulvey Jacqueline Fletcher wins Finding a Voice 2023 Emerging Composer Competition

Composer Deirdre Gribbin talks to Jonathan Grimes about composing music for the film documentary, ‘Stolen', writing her new cello concerto, the importance of narrative in her music, and her thoughts on the plight of women composers today. Show Notes Deirdre Gribbin CMC Composer Page Music Deirdre Gribbin - Hearing your Genes Evolve (Spero Quartet), live recording from the Hugh Lane Gallery, 26 February 2023 Deirdre Gribbin - music from the film Stolen (director Margo Harkin) Deirdre Gribbin - extract from Embers, a radio drama starring Patrick Stewart adapted and directed by Lou Stein from a BBC Radio 3 Drama production by Lou Stein Associates Deirdre Gribbin - How to Make the Water Song (Fidelio Trio), NMC Recordings

Episode 81 features highlights from the Belfast launch in January 2023 of CMC's promotional album, New Music::New Ireland 4, and conversations with the composers who participated in Composer Lab, a professional development initiative delivered in partnership by the National Symphony Orchestra and CMC, in association with RTE lyric fm. Show Notes new music::new Ireland 4 showcase launch New Music::New Ireland 4 Amy Rooney Karen Power CMC Composer Page Ian Wilson CMC Composer Page John Buckley CMC Composer Page Piers Hellawell CMC Composer Page Judith Ring CMC Composer Page Anselm McDonnell CMC Composer Page Composer Lab 2022 Seán Ó Dálaigh Adam McCartney Music All music taken from the New Music::New Ireland 4 Showcase launch on 26 January 2023 and the Composer Lab 2022 premiere performance and broadcast on 9 January 2023

amplify returns with the first episode of 2023. Featuring Roger Doyle on his work and his recent album, ‘Finnegans Wake - Suite Of Affections Volume 2', and a conversation recorded in Cork last December with Linda Buckley on her new work for the Ficino String Quartet, ‘Circuit Bend'. Presented by Jonathan Grimes. Show Notes Roger Doyle CMC Composer Page Roger Doyle - Bandcamp Finnegans Wake - Suite of Affections Volume 2 New Music::New Ireland 4 Linda Buckley CMC Composer Page Ficino Quartet - Triskel National String Quartet Foundation Music Linda Buckley - Fridur (Isabelle O'Connell) Roger Doyle - Dreamwings Folded (instrumental) Roger Doyle - Is That The Poolbeg Flasher Roger Doyle - Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth Roger Doyle - Nova Nuvoletta (instrumental) Roger Doyle - Recess Roger Doyle - This The Way To The Museyroom Roger Doyle - Jymes Wishes To Hear Roger Doyle - And Can it Be Linda Buckley - Circuit Bend (Ficino Quartet), recorded live on 11 December 2023, Kevin Barry Room, National Concert Hall Linda Buckley - Fridur (Isabelle O'Connell)

Recorded this September, Sebastian Adams talks to Jonathan Grimes about his experiences on the Cursus programme at IRCAM in Paris. Show Notes Sebastian Adams CMC Composer Page Cursus Programme stolenmusic.org Music All Music by Sebastian Adams

This week, amplify marks the 25th anniversary of the Crash Ensemble with interviews with Artistic Director, Kate Ellis as well as founding member and the ensemble's first Artistic Director, Donnacha Dennehy. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Crash Ensemble [reactions] Donnacha Dennehy Music Barry O'Halpin - Lethargarian Éna Brennan - Runaway David Fennessy - Jack Barry O'Halpin - Wingform Sam Perkin - Children in the Universe Barry O'Halpin - Wingform

Episode 77 features conversations with composer Neil Martin and pianist Ruth McGinley about their album ‘Aura', a collection of Irish airs written and arranged by Neil Martin, and Neil O'Connor AKA Ordnance Survey on his latest release ‘Nomos: Ó Riada Reimagined'. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes Neil Martin CMC Composer Page Ruth McGinley Neil O'Connor CMC Composer Page 20:31 - Spectrogram of a violin playing a note and then a perfect fifth above it with the shared partials highlighted by the white dashes (harmonic spectra) Music Neil O'Connor - Bog Braon Aura - Ruth McGinley and Neil Martin Nomos: Ó Riada Reimagined - Neil O'Connor Production and editing - Keith Fennell

amplify #76 - new music::new Ireland Four launch Recorded at this year’s Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, episode 76 includes conversations with some of the artists on CMC’s new promotional album, new music::new Ireland Four. Featuring flautist Lina Andonovska, composers Rhona Clarke, Anselm McDonnell, and Ian Wilson, the episode also includes an interview with hcmf Artistic Director Graham McKenzie on the festival’s three-year partnership with Culture Ireland. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes new music::new Ireland four Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival - hcmf Ulysses Journey 2022 at hcmf Stephen Graham Anselm McDonnell Lina Andonovska Rhona Clarke Ian Wilson Music Nick Roth - A Loved A Long (Lina Andonovska) Anselm McDonnell - Engines of Babel (Crash Ensemble) Judith Ring - A Breath of Fresh Air (Lina Andonovska) Rhona Clarke - Seen from Above (Adam Walker (fl), Hélène Clément (viola), Agnès Clément (harp) Ian Wilson - Wild is the Wind (Gareth Davis (bass clarinet)

Episode 75 features a conversation with Jane O'Leary about her work for piano and orchestra ‘Unfolding Soundscapes', premiered last month by Finghin Collins and the National Symphony Orchestra, and Matthew Whiteside and David Fennessy on ‘The Night With' concert in Belfast, which featured a new commission from David Fennessy for the Robinson Panoramic Quartet. Presented by Jonathan Grimes and Evonne Ferguson. Show Notes The Night With Robinson Panoramic Quartet - Belfast David Fennessy CMC Composer Page Robinson Panoramic Quartet Matthew Whiteside CMC Composer Page Jane O'Leary CMC Composer Page Music Jane O'Leary - Unfolding Soundscapes (Finghin Collins - piano, National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Kenneth Montgomery) David Fennessy - Slate (Robinson Panoramic Quartet, The Night With, Belfast - October 2022) Matthew Whiteside - Quartet for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass (Robinson Panoramic Quartet, The Night With, Belfast - October 2022) Production and editing: Keith Fennell

An episode featuring conversations with some of the creative team behind composer Anne-Marie O'Farrell's cantata based on material from UCD Archives on the Irish Civil War. Featuring contributions from the composer, Principal Archivist at UCD Archives Kate Manning, the work's librettist Ed Vulliamy, and Kellie Hughes. Presented by Jonathan Grimes. Show Notes Civil War Cantata Anne Marie O'Farrell CMC composer page UCD Archives Ed Vulliamy Music All excerpts taken from premiere recording of Who'd Ever Think it Would Come to This? at O'Reilly Hall, UCD on 30 September 2022. Colette Delahunt (Soprano), Sharon Carty (Mezzo), Dean Power (Tenor) and Rory Musgrave (Baritone), Resurgam (Artistic Director Mark Dulley), RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conductor Ciarán Crilly. Recording by RTÉ lyric fm.